1. Start with Your Professors: Building Academic Relationships  

Professors can be some of your most valuable connections in college. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and often have connections in your field of interest. To establish a good relationship with your professors:

Attend Office Hours Regularly: Don’t wait until you need help with an assignment or exam. Use office hours to discuss topics that interest you, ask about research opportunities, or seek advice on your academic path. Showing genuine interest in their subject can lead to mentorship opportunities.

Engage in Class: Actively participating in class discussions not only helps you stand out but also shows your professors that you’re committed to learning. This engagement can open doors for deeper conversations outside of class.

Follow-Up After Meetings: After meeting with a professor, whether in their office or after class, send a thank-you email. This reinforces your interest and helps keep the conversation going.

2. Networking with Peers: Building a Supportive Community  

Your peers are on the same journey as you, and building relationships with them can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and lifelong friendships. Here’s how you can network effectively with fellow students:

Join NSCS Events and Chapter Meetings: NSCS chapters host various events throughout the year, from social gatherings to service projects. These events are perfect for meeting like-minded students and expanding your network within the organization.

Form Study Groups: Collaborating with peers in study groups can enhance your learning experience and help you tackle challenging subjects together. Plus, it’s a great way to make friends and establish connections that go beyond the classroom.

Engage in Campus Activities: Participating in clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities allows you to meet students from different backgrounds and disciplines. These connections can broaden your perspectives and enrich your college experience.

3. Find a Mentor  

Finding a mentor can be one of the most impactful steps you take in your college career. Mentors can provide guidance, offer insights into your field of interest, and help you navigate the challenges of academia and beyond.

Engage in the Ambition in Motion Program: NSCS is launching a Mentorship Program connecting students and alumni for professional guidance. This program pairs students with NSCS alumni who are eager to provide career advice and gain volunteer experience. The program offers a Collegiate program for current students and an Alumni program for professionals. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity—sign up here by September 24, 2024, to participate.

4. Leveraging NSCS Resources for Networking  

As an NSCS member, you have exclusive access to resources that can enhance your networking efforts:

Utilize LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and reflects your NSCS membership certificate. Connect with professors, peers, and NSCS members to build a professional online network that can support your career aspirations.

5. Cultivating Long-Term Relationships  

Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about nurturing them over time. Here’s how you can maintain and strengthen the relationships you build:

Stay in Touch: Regularly check in with professors and peers, even after a class or project has ended. Send updates on your progress, share interesting articles, or simply ask how they’re doing.

Be Genuine: Authenticity is key to building meaningful connections. Be yourself, show genuine interest in others, and offer help when you can. People appreciate sincerity and are more likely to want to maintain a relationship with you.

Give Back: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your support to others, whether it’s helping a classmate with an assignment or sharing job leads with your peers. By giving back, you create a positive reputation that strengthens your network.

Make This Year Count  

As you embark on a new academic year, remember that the connections you build can shape your college experience and beyond. Whether it’s through developing strong relationships with your professors, forming a supportive network of peers, or finding a mentor to guide you, each step you take brings you closer to achieving your goals. By actively engaging in these opportunities, you’re setting the foundation for success both during college and in your future career. Make this year one of growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

“We are very excited to tap into the member base of NSCS to reach underrepresented students who are interested in a career in real estate,” said Michael Huckaby, CEO and Founder of LifeRamp. “We’ve already had 54 NSCS members complete the CORE program and currently have 100 more in our current cohort. Given NSCS’s size and history of supporting underrepresented students, this couldn’t be a more perfect fit.”

Students achieving this credential will be prepared for entry level jobs in the real estate industry primarily as a leasing consultant, marketing representative, property administrator. Students will leave with an overview of the industry that will position them for future studies or entry level positions. The program encourages additional exploration through experiential learning such as job shadowing, internships, part time or full-time employment.

“We are always looking for ways to add more value to our lifetime membership offer,” said Stephen Loflin, Founder of NSCS. “Our focus on helping high achieving college students and recent graduates achieve their career goals has never been more important. Working with LifeRamp and CORE helps us meet one of our goals of helping our members continue to achieve at the highest levels.”

For more information, visit www.nscs.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS (NSCS)

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high-achieving first- and-second year students. With its three pillars of scholarship, leadership and service, NSCS is proud to provide career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities and gives out more than $500,000 dollars annually in scholarships (often with multiple recipients per award), awards and chapter funds. NSCS has nearly 300 chapters nationwide and nearly two million lifetime members globally. NSCS is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit, certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies, member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, American Association of Community Colleges, and 100 percent FERPA compliant, per an independent review by AACRAO.

ABOUT LIFERAMP

LifeRamp was started to bring the transformative power of coaching to young people. Through coaching, they really believe they can help students and young professionals be their very best selves; personally, professionally and emotionally. LifeRamp aims to support young people to become meaningful contributors within their own circles and the wider world.

For more information about the CORE program, please visit https://www.corearc.org.

GEICO is an industry leader in community investment. Whether it is feeding those in need, providing resources to students at Title I schools or amplifying its associates’ efforts with local nonprofits, GEICO is committed to campaigns and partnerships that engage communities in need and provide significant impact.

The NSCS/GEICO scholarships include:

• NSCS Scholarship for Minority Students in STEM
• NSCS First in the Family (first generation college student) Scholarship
• NSCS Scholarship for Business Students with Disabilities
• NSCS Scholarship for Military Veterans in STEM
• NSCS Scholarship for Women in Business
• NSCS Scholarship for Women in an MBA Program
• NSCS Scholarship for LGBTQ Students in Business
• NSCS Certificate Program Scholarships
• NSCS HBCU Student of the Year – Changemaker Award
• NSCS Latinx Student of the Year – Changemaker Award
• NSCS AAPI Student of the Year – Changemaker Award
• NSCS Students with Disabilities – Changemaker Award

“We are incredibly proud to renew and expand our scholarship program with NSCS,” said LaDonna Bond, GEICO’s Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “At GEICO, we believe strongly in intentional inclusion and are deeply committed to making a lasting impact on the communities where our associates and customers live and serve through cultural, social, and civic engagement. These scholarships are an opportunity for us to support students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue their education.”

“We are very excited about GEICO’s increased commitment to NSCS members through their scholarship program,” said Stephen Loflin, Founder of NSCS. “Last year, NSCS and GEICO were able to support 15 students which was amazing. This year, GEICO has almost doubled their funding and will now be supporting 35 NSCS members from diverse backgrounds. In addition to the financial support, the recognition that comes with being selected as a GEICO scholarship recipient or GEICO Changemaker reinforces the academic and personal success our members have achieved, and we can’t thank GEICO enough for their support.”

In 2020, NSCS launched the Scholar Initiative to combat the rising cost of higher education for students. With a diverse membership, the goal was to increase opportunities for minority and marginalized communities. In 2021, NSCS was pleased to continue the partnership with GEICO to offer diversity-focused scholarships. Through these GEICO-sponsored scholarships, NSCS has been able to make an impact and support NSCS members who are first-generation students, minority students in STEM, HBCU and Latino/a/x students. This past year, NSCS expanded those opportunities to include new awards focused on Women in Business, the AAPI community and LGBTQ+ members. In total, 15 students were awarded $60,000 in scholarships!

The 2022 Scholarship Recipients were:

NSCS First in the Family Spring Award

• Anastasia Duenas, Northern Virginia Community College
• Madison Valdez, Weber State University
• Soleil Kennerly, Prince George’s Community College

NSCS Scholarships for Minority Students in STEM

• Alexis Martin, Florida State University
• Anya Ramsamooj, University of California, Irvine
• Jimiah Campbell, The University of Mississippi

NSCS Scholarships for Women in Business

• Bailey Sims, Butler University
• Madison Slater, Florida State University
• Yasmin Yubran, George Mason University

NSCS Scholarships for LGBTQ Students in Business

• Melanie Davis, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Mercedes Leismeister, Iowa State University
• Sara Quesinberry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

NSCS HBCU Student of the Year: Changemaker Award

• Yahmir Mohammed, Jackson State University

NSCS Latinx Student of the Year: Changemaker Award

• Sidney Martin, Hillsborough Community College

NSCS AAPI Student of the Year: Changemaker Award

• Kaylie Chong, University of California, Irvine

Work Opportunities

It’s not uncommon for students to struggle when searching for their first post-grad position. Some students are still not sure what field they want to enter. Others know what they want to do, but they have trouble getting their foot in the door. NSCS members are far less likely to run into these difficulties. We like to say that NSCS opens doors – and in more ways than one.

As an NSCS member, you’ll have opportunities to meet experienced professionals and recent graduates in your field. You can network with these people, which often results in job opportunities after graduation. Some NSCS students land internships that later turn into full-time positions. Others meet mentors who connect them with leaders at a local company they’ve always dreamed of working for.

NSCS membership also gives you a chance to identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. As a result, members emerge with a better idea of how they excel in the workplace and what positions might be right for them. This can be invaluable as you start to look for your first career job.

Mentorship

We encourage NSCS members to find mentors within our community, and to lean on those mentors as they navigate college. But your mentor-mentee relationship does not have to end when you graduate. Many members stay in contact with their mentors for the rest of their lives. It’s comforting to know that you always have someone in your corner who you can reach out to for professional advice as you transition out of student life.

Mentors can help review your resume and cover letters. They can help you choose between multiple job opportunities. They can run through practice interviews and talk you through big career moves. Everyone deserves a good mentor in their life, and NSCS can help you find yours.

Community Mindset

One of the three pillars of NSCS is “service.” Our members are involved in projects throughout the community, and we find this helps them develop and maintain a community-oriented mindset. This mindset follows them throughout the rest of their lives, and it is of great benefit.

Human beings are social creatures, and when they become more involved in the world around them, they thrive. NSCS members graduate with connections to their local community, and also with the skills for form additional connections. As leaders, many of our members volunteer for community organizations, help organize charity fundraisers, and become involved in local government.

Graduates who are involved in their communities help improve their communities – for themselves, for their families, and for others. This community involvement may also help recent graduates form connections that lead to better employment. For instance, you might meet your future employer while volunteering at a local charity run.

NSCS membership certainly enhances the college experience, but it also enhances life after college. As a member, you’ll focus on scholarship, leadership, and service. These three versatile pillars will continue to serve you well as you search for a job, develop your career, and remain a passionate member of your local community. If you’re not yet a member, we hope you join us.

The grant will be used to fund three different STEM-related scholarships that will impact the lives of ten different students. These programs will include:

• Three (3) $2,500 3M Women in STEM Scholarships
• Three (3) $2,500 3M Minority Students in STEM Scholarships
• Four (4) $2,500 3M Future Innovator STEM Scholarships

The scholarship application period will run from November 8, 2022 (National STEM Day) until February 28, 2023. Applications will be evaluated in March 2023 and recipients will be notified by the end of April 2023.

The 3M Women in STEM Scholarship

NSCS is pleased to announce a new partnership with 3M to offer scholarships to students in a STEM major. Only 15% of scientists and engineers are women, and only 20% are Black, Latinx, and Native-American. We hope the scholarship program will bring awareness to STEM and support our women members in science, technology, engineering, and math majors.

NSCS and 3M will be awarding three (3) $2,500 scholarships.

The 3M Minority Students in STEM Scholarship

NSCS is pleased to announce a new partnership with 3M to offer scholarships to students in a STEM major. Only 15% of scientists and engineers are women, and only 20% are Black, Latinx, and Native-American. We hope the scholarship program will bring awareness to STEM and support our minority student members in science, technology, engineering, and math majors.

NSCS and 3M will be awarding three (3) $2,500 scholarships.

The 3M Future Innovator STEM Scholarship

NSCS is pleased to announce a new partnership with 3M to offer scholarships to students in a STEM major. 3M’s mission is to help students take steps toward careers in STEM. We hope the scholarship program will bring awareness to STEM and support our members in science, technology, engineering, and math majors.

NSCS and 3M will be awarding four (4) $2,500 scholarships.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen by 3M to receive the $25,000 grant to help support the educational needs of our members,” said NSCS Executive Director Scott Mobley. “Their focus on innovation has been an inspiration for so many people and we hope that these ten different scholarships will help students in a STEM program to achieve their academic goals.”

For more information, visit www.nscs.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS (NSCS)

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high-achieving first- and-second year student. With its three pillars of scholarship, leadership and service, NSCS is proud to provide career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities and gives out more than $500,000 dollars annually in scholarships (often with multiple recipients per award), awards and chapter funds. NSCS has nearly 300 chapters nationwide and nearly two million lifetime members globally. NSCS is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit, certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies, member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, American Association of Community Colleges, and 100 percent FERPA compliant, per an independent review by AACRAO.

ABOUT 3M

3M improves lives and builds sustainable communities through social investments and thoughtful engagement of 3Mers worldwide. Through both corporate giving and the 3M Foundation, 3M supports initiatives that impact communities and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

So, what does NSCS founder, Steve Loflin, have to say about the organization, its growth, and its success over the years? We asked Steve a few questions, and there’s a lot to be learned from his responses.

What Does NSCS Stand For?

Steve points out that when he first started NSCS, one of the most important factors was the organization’s pillars. As members know, these three pillars are scholarship, leadership, and community service. As NSCS has grown and expanded, these three pillars have remained central to all that the organization does.

How Is NSCS Different From Other Honor Societies?

When asked this question, Steve is the first to admit that there are hundreds of honors societies students can join. In other words, students have a choice. What Steve thinks is most unique about NSCS is that it gives students an opportunity to be recognized early in their college experience. Even freshmen are invited to join, whereas other honors societies are often only open to more advanced students.

What Is the NSCS Impact?

Steve is really pleased with the tremendous impact NSCS has had over the years, and he really deserves to be! Even though NSCS is the youngest honor society, it has become one of the largest, which means more opportunities for more students to succeed.

What Should Parents Know?

Parents sometimes wonder whether it’s worthwhile for their students to join NSCS. Steve responds to this query by explaining that when a parent commits to sending their child to an academic institution, they are investing in that student’s future. NSCS is a good addition to that experience. Membership helps supplement the college experience, giving students opportunities to work with mentors, network, and apply for additional scholarships and internships.

Is NSCS Legitimate?

Even though this question is asked often, Steve does not mind responding since he is confident in his response. In a single word, “yes.” NSCS is legitimate. We are an established organization with chapters all over the country. They have an entire staff dedicated to members’ success. NSCS also took the step of becoming certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, which also speaks to the organization’s legitimacy and high standards of membership. 

Why Is There a Fee to Join?

Steve says it is completely reasonable for students to wonder why they have to pay a fee to join NSCS. However, he wants to remind students that the fee is a once-in-a-lifetime fee that covers administration costs. You’ll never have to pay again, but you’ll have a lifetime of access to NSCS’ benefits. Steve also points out that every college honors society charges a membership fee. NSCS is not unique in this regard, and students get a lot for their money by joining.

As large and influential as NSCS is today, it is remarkable to think back on a time when Steve Loflin was just beginning to plan and set up the organization. We would all like to thank Steve for his dedication to the society over the years, and for the time he took to answer the interview questions above. Thank you, Steve!

GEICO, more formally known as Government Employee Insurance Company, was founded in 1936 and employs more than 43,000 people across the U.S. They’ve always aimed to provide a seamless customer experience. While they are best known for their auto insurance policies, they also offer homeowners, flood, renters, term life, and umbrella coverage, among others.

GEICO has long been known for their contributions to local communities. Over the years, they have served and donated to various organizations, aiming to support people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and LatinX community in particular. Their contributions to students in association with NSCS is an extension or continuation of these efforts. 

The first scholarships awarded by GEICO in partnership with NSCS were our Women in Stem Awards. These awards of $2,500 each were presented to:

• Lisa Boronowitz of Texas Woman’s University
• Nyla Griffith of Spelman College
• McKenzie O’Neil of Montana State University
• Genevieve Gemond of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

GEICO and NSCS also presented four Minority in Stem Awards of $2,500 to the following students:

• Maria-Claudia Smart-Rengifo of Kansas State University
• Mohamed Mbaye of University of Miami
• William Muckelroy III of University of Pittsburgh
• Tai Sutton of Georgia State University

Then, there were the First in Family Awards, which were $2,500 each and awarded to students who were the first in their families to attend college. Thanks to additional contributions from GEICO, we were able to offer eight of these awards to the following students:

• Demetria Ober of Texas Woman’s University
• Brian Ha of UCLA Los Angeles
• Hunter Greer of Radford University
• Inger Lise Haraldstad Sannum of University of Tampa
• Matthew Snow of Arizona State University
• Ollisha Fisher of Temple University
• Zoe Cirillo of University of Colorado Boulder
• Alana Jimenez of Boston University

We were also proud to present a $10,000 HBCU Student of the Year Award to Ilahi Creary-Miller from Howard University, along with a $10,000 LatinX Student of the Year Award to Shadiyah Feliciano of Ohio State University.

Each of these recipients, we feel, has gone above and beyond in adhering to the NSCS Three Pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. We hope these awards will serve them well as they continue their education at their respective universities. We wish them luck even as they graduate and begin their careers. NSCS members have what it takes to succeed, and we are endlessly confident in their abilities. 

NSCS offers excellent scholarship, internship, and mentorship opportunities for students of all backgrounds and majors. If you are interested in adding to your college experience, we encourage you to consider joining. Members are eligible for a wide array of exclusive scholarships, not limited to those discussed above. We have chapters at 330 colleges and universities across the United States.

Confidence in Leadership

High school does not usually give students too many chances to develop as leaders. However, good leadership skills are in high-demand in the workforce, and these skills can serve students very well throughout their college careers, too. NSCS members enjoy numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills. They can join chapter leadership, help lead volunteer projects in the community, and plan chapter events.

Many undergraduates feel that NSCS membership helps bring them out of their shell and boost their confidence in leadership roles. They feel more comfortable when asked to lead group discussions in class, and they’ll also be better prepared to take on leadership roles in their career once they graduate. Students who self-identify as shy when they begin college find themselves becoming more outgoing and social after participating in NSCS programs.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are tremendously beneficial for college students. They help students develop more hands-on skills, introduce them to the workplace culture, and serve as means of building a network and contacts in an industry. Unfortunately, finding an internship can be difficult for some college students as they tend to be in high demand. NSCS members have access to exclusive internships with political campaigns, private businesses, and institutes of higher education.

Participating in an internship can make an undergraduate’s experience more well-rounded and complete. It can transform their college experience into a true career preparation experience.

Network Building

When a student first arrives at college, they can feel like an island. They don’t know many people, and they lack a network. Building a network can be challenging when a student is new and just beginning their degree program. NSCS membership can jump-start a student’s network-building efforts.

NSCS members can network with other students, alumni, advisors, chapter leaders, and executives at companies that offer internships. Building such a network can make an undergraduate feel far more connected. It gives them people to call on for career advice, references, and guidance. 

Community Involvement

Many students suddenly find themselves in a new community where they are unfamiliar with the local businesses, layout, and people. It can take them a while to feel settled and connected in their new locale. NSCS membership can help with this. NSCS chapters regularly organize volunteer programs within the community in collaborations with organizations like the YMCA. Students who participate in these programs get to know community members and feel more connected to the region their school is in.

If you’re looking for a way to feel more connected and supported as a college student, we highly encourage you to consider NSCS membership. Joining NSCS can be the step that transforms your undergraduate experience from average to stellar. You’ll build your network, improve your leadership skills, create connections in the community, and gain access to internships that prepare you for a career.

Where to Buy NSCS Regalia

You can shop for NSCS regalia and graduation attire at store.NSCS.org. The website clearly displays all of the items available to NSCS members. Make sure you plan ahead! Orders need to be placed by September 30th in order to be received by December 1st.

NSCS Regalia Options

So, what are the best items to wear in order to honor your NSCS membership on graduation day? Here are a few suggestions.

NSCS Honor Cord

The NSCS Honor Cord is a simple, subtle way to honor your NSCS membership on graduation day. Made in the NSCS colors purple and gold, the cord will look stunning with your robe. It’s made in the USA, and you can easily pair it with other items mentioned here, like the honor stole.

NSCS Honor Stole

If you really want to make a statement, the NSCS Honor Stole is the way to go. This gold stole looks luxurious and special. It will really help you stand out in graduation photos, especially when there’s a whole group of students wearing the same color robes. The stole is printed with the NSCS logo and full name — the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. It’s the ultimate way to signify your dedication to the NSCS principles of scholarship, leadership, and service.

NSCS Honor Medallion

The NSCS Honor Medallion is available to all members and looks lovely when layered over the NSCS Honor Stole. The medallion is strung on purple material and features and emblem that says “The National Society of Collegiate Scholars.” This is a popular option among Chapter Presidents and other members in leadership roles.

If you’re interested in all three of the items above, NSCS also sells them as a package. You’ll really look your best on graduation day with a cord, medallion, and stole.

Other Ways to Graduate in Style

In addition to dressing the part, there are other ways to include NSCS in your graduation celebrations. Talk to your university about giving a speech about your NSCS involvement as a part of the graduation ceremony. Or, work with your chapter leadership to organize an additional ceremony or celebration specifically for NSCS members at your college or university.

Once you do graduate, also remember to spread the word about NSCS members. As an alumna, you can encourage other members to take advantage of all NSCS has to offer. Share with them how your NSCS membership shaped you, and encourage them to embrace the same opportunities.

NSCS membership is a powerful addition to the college experience. With the right attire and attitude, there are plenty of ways to honor your NSCS involvement as a part of your college graduation. Visit the NSCS shop, and prepare for a lovely day.

1. Respond to Chapter Emails

Soon after you’re accepted as a member, you should begin getting emails from your Chapter President. Keep an eye out for these emails as they include important updates about your chapter’s events and activities. Don’t hesitate to respond to the emails, either. Let your Chapter President know whether you can attend an event, or ask a question. Interacting with your leadership in this way is a great way to start getting to know people and familiarizing yourself with all that NSCS has to offer.

2. Attend Social Events

When you see that your NSCS chapter is hosting a social event, make plans to attend! This is a great way to meet other members.

One of the great things about NSCS is the organization’s ability to bring together students from various majors and specialties. So, if you’re used to seeing the same people in your classes time and time again, attending NSCS events is a good way to meet new people with different perspectives from your own. In the work world, different professions need to come together to meet common goals. As an NSCS member, you can get ahead of the game when it comes to multi-discipline work and interaction.

3. Research Scholarships

Scholarships opportunities are one of the key benefits of joining NSCS. We award 26 national scholarships each year. They total more than $500,000 in value. We also partner with programs like Semester at Sea and Absolute Internship.

Upon joining, we recommend visiting the NSCS website to research the various scholarships available to you, and the qualifications. Keep in mind that students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be considered for scholarships. We select recipients across all fields and career paths based on or core values of academics, leadership, and service.

4. Explore Leadership

NSCS chapters need leaders. If you are interested in developing your own leadership abilities, then we recommend getting involved in chapter leadership. You don’t necessarily need to run for President. There are numerous other positions, from Secretary positions to VP roles. 

Leadership skills will pay off indefinitely once you enter the workforce. In fact, companies want to hire strong leaders straight out of college. So, if you take advantage of the leadership opportunities offered through NSCS, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time to apply for your first job.

It is an honor to be nominated for and to accept NSCS leadership. However, this is only the beginning. If you follow up by taking the steps above, you’ll be well on your way towards success. Communicate with your leaders, socialize and meet others, and look into the scholarship and leadership opportunities available to members like you.